| Shimba Hills is not one of the prime safari parks, where you can expect to see all
kinds of African mammals. It is a nice place to for a day tour, though, for example
to get a break from the nearby beaches. A recent translocation of animals from Tsavo
East has increased the numbers of giraffes, hartebeest and impalas, though.
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
Mwaluganje is a 36 km2/14 sq mi nature sanctuary that borders Shimba Hills National
Reserve. Much of the sanctuary is forested, and home to many elephants.
Day tours from the coast
Local tour
operators and some hotels offer full- or half-day tours from the coast to Shimba
Hills, or you may hire a taxi for a day in the park (make sure to hire a 4WD). If you
go by taxi, remember there's a park entry fee to pay (USD 20 for adults). If you go
with a tour operator, the entry fee should be included in the tour price.
Lodges
Shimba Lodge is a treehouse
style lodge in the northern part of the park, set by a waterhole that is
floodlit at night. The surroundings and the lodge are quiet and peaceful. Shimba
Lodge has 28 standard rooms and two suites. All rooms have a balcony and overlook
the waterhole. The bathroom facilities are communal (the suites have private bathrooms).
There is a restaurant, a bar, and platforms for game viewing. The lodge offers
game drives and walks. Children younger than five years are not allowed to stay
in the lodge for safety and sound level reasons. Web site: www.aberdaresafarihotels.com Kutazama
is a small luxury lodge outside of the national reserve, set in a landscaped garden
and offering truly grand views of the surroundings. Accommodation is in spacious
suites in a soft African design. The four-poster bed may be moved outside for
nights under the starry sky. The main house has lounging and dining areas. The
swimming pool is built in two levels and offers panoramic views. The activities
offered include game drives in the park, walks, and day tours to Diani Beach. Web
site: www.kutazama.com Mukurumuji
Tented Camp is a small basic tourist class camp outside the national reserve.
It has four tents and a honeymoon suite (all with ensuite bathroom and veranda),
and a dining area. The camp offers game viewing in the reserve and in Mwaluganje
Elephant Sanctuary, walks, and visits to local farmsteads. Mwaluganje
Camp in Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary is a tourist class tented camp. It has
20 tents with ensuite bathrooms and dining facilities.
Other accommodation
A small camp with bandas
is situated close to the main entrance. The bandas are basic, but the scenery
is beautiful. |
